GB2444897A

GB2444897A - Rail mounting assembly for cabinets

Info

Publication number: GB2444897A
Application number: GB0625715A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Bettison
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-12-22
Filing date: 2006-12-22
Publication date: 2008-06-25
Anticipated expiration: 2026-12-22
Also published as: GB0625715D0; GB2444897B

Abstract

A mounting structure 1 comprises a rail 10 affixed to a wall, a bracket or cabinet hanger 11 supported on the rail and fixed in place using a plug or insert 12. The rail is fixed to the wall via holes along its length using screws or bolts. Cabinet hangers may be symmetrical so that they can be fitted to either side of a cabinet. The plug has a shape that is commensurate with the space made between the bracket and rail to provide a tight fit to firmly hold the two parts together.

Description

Improvements in and relating to Mounting Cabinets The present invention

relates to apparatus for fitting cabinets, and in particular, but not exclusively, kitchen cabinets and to methods of use of such apparatus Cabinets or carcasses for cabinets used in a kitchen are typically fixed to a wall using a series of wall brackets and cabinet hangers. Typically, a plurality of wall brackets and cabinet hangers are used on each cabinet.

A problem with wall brackets is that they have to be individually positioned and attached to the wall. The wall brackets are also individually positioned to ensure that they are level with respect to each other. The installer of the kitchen also has to ensure that the wall brackets are correctly spaced apart to receive each cabinet hanger. Additionally, the cabinet hangers then need to be individually adjusted. These difficulties can result in cabinet fitting being a time consuming and error-prone process.

It is an aim of an embodiment of the present invention to address problems associated with cabinet fitting.

According to the present invention in a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus for fitting a cabinet comprising a rail, a cabinet hanger and a plug; wherein the rail is configured to receive the cabinet hanger, the cabinet hanger is arranged to be supported by the rail, and the plug is configured to prevent movement of the cabinet hanger on the rail.

In use, the rail is positioned on a wall and the cabinet hanger is arranged on a cabinet or on the carcass of a cabinet, and is subsequently positioned on the rail to support the cabinet on a wall.

Suitably, the rail is configured to receive a plurality of cabinet hangers. Suitably, the rail is dimensioned to receive and support at least one cabinet connected to a cabinet hanger. Suitably, the rail is configured to support a plurality of cabinets.

Suitably, the cabinet hanger comprises at least one projection configured to be slotted onto the rail.

Suitably, the projection is hook shaped.

Suitably, the cabinet hanger comprises a first and a second projection. Suitably, the first projection is provided at the top end of the cabinet hanger and the second projection is provided at the opposed bottom end.

Suitably, the first projection and the second projection are configured to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to each other. Suitably, the first and second projections are configured to be rotationally symmetrical with each other about the midpoint between the top end and the bottom end of the cabinet hanger.

Suitably, the cabinet hanger comprises a fixing means.

Suitably, the cabinet hanger comprises an integrally formed fixing means. Suitably, the fixing means comprises at least one fixing element configured to abut a cabinet.

Suitably, the fixing means is configured to be slot fitted into a cabinet. Suitably, a fixing means comprise a first and a second fixing element. Suitably, the first fixing element is provided at the top end of the cabinet hanger and the second fixing element is provided at the opposed bottom end.

Suitably, the cabinet hanger comprises a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion, the first engaging portion comprises the first and second projections and the second engaging portion comprises the fixing means.

Suitably, the first engaging portion is integrally formed with the second engaging portion.

Suitably, the or each projection comprises a rail engager, a rail guide and a rail receiver.

Suitably, the rail comprises a cabinet hanger supporter.

Suitably, the cabinet hanger supporter is a hook.

Suitably, the hook comprises a cabinet hanger engager, a cabinet hanger guide and a cabinet hanger receiver.

Suitably, the rail guide is configured to guide the rail engager to the cabinet hanger receiver. Suitably, the cabinet hanger guide is configured to guide the cabinet hanger engager to the rail receiver. Suitably, the rail and cabinet hanger guides reciprocally guide their respective engagers to the receivers.

Suitably, the rail guide and cabinet hanger guide are configured to lie substantially flush to each other when the cabinet hanger is positioned on the rail.

Suitably, the or each rail engager is dimensioned to fit into the cabinet hanger receiver. Suitably, the cabinet hanger engager is dimensioned to fit in the or each rail receiver.

Suitably, the first engaging portion comprises an opening for receiving the rail between the rail engager of the first projection and the rail engager of the second projection. Suitably, the first engaging portion comprises a rear wall and the opening is configured to extend to the rear wall.

Suitably, the plug is configured to engage with the base of the cabinet hanger supporter and at least part of the second projection to lock the cabinet hanger to the rail.

Suitably, the plug is configured to engage with any one or all of the rail engager, rail guide and rail receiver of the second projection. Suitably, the plug is removeably inserted into a passageway formed between the base of the rail and an upper surface of the second projection.

Suitably, the rail comprises a back plate. Suitably, the cabinet hanger supporter is integrally formed with the back plate. Suitably, the cabinet hanger supporter extends from the bottom edge of the back plate.

Suitably, the back plate is configured to be fixedly attached to a wall. Suitably, the back plate is attached to a wall with an attachment means. Suitably, the back plate comprises the attachment means. Alternatively, the back plate comprises at least one aperture through which an attachment is inserted to fixedly attach the rail to a wall.

The attachment means can be any suitable attachment means such as nuts, bolts, or screws.

Suitably, in use, the rail is arranged to run horizontally across the wall.

Alternatively, the apparatus comprises at least a first and a second rail. Suitably, in use, the first rail is arranged to be parallel to the second rail. Suitably, in use, the first rail is spaced vertically apart from the second rail. Suitably, the first rail is spaced vertically apart from the second rail by a distance substantially corresponding to the height of a cabinet.

Suitably, the apparatus comprises at least one cabinet hanger provided for each cabinet. Suitably, the apparatus comprises a plurality of cabinet hangers for each cabinet.

Suitably, the apparatus further comprises a cabinet, the cabinet Comprising a Cabinet hanger.

Suitably, the cabinet is adapted to receive a plurality of cabinet hangers. Suitably, the Cabinet comprises a wall-faCing surface and is configured to receive a configuration of cabinet hangers that is rotationally symmetrical about the central point of the wall facing surface.

Suitably, the cabinet Comprises a first and a second hinge Configurable to receive a leftwards or rightwards opening door.

According to the present invention in a second aspect, there is provided a method of use comprising the steps of: (a) providing a rail, a cabinet hanger and a plug; (b) arranging the rail on a wall; (c) positioning the cabinet hanger on the rail; and (d) locking the cabinet hanger in position on the rail with the plug.

Suitably, step (a) comprises providing a rail according to the first aspect.

Suitably, step (a) comprises providing a cabinet hanger according to the first aspect.

Suitably, step (a) comprises providing a plug according to the first aspect.

Suitably, step (a) comprises providing a plurality of any one of the rail, cabinet hanger, and/or plug.

Suitably, step (b) further comprises levelling the rail or each on the wall.

Suitably, step (b) further comprises attaching the or each rail to the wall.

Suitably, step (c) further comprises connecting the or each cabinet hanger to a cabinet. Suitably, step (c) further comprises connecting the cabinet hanger to the cabinet before positioning the cabinet on the rail.

Suitably, step (d) comprises slotting the plug into a passageway defined by the cabinet hanger and the rail.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus for fitting cabinets; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a rail for an apparatus for fitting kitchens; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a cabinet hanger for an apparatus for fitting cabinets; and Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a plug for an apparatus for fitting cabinets.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an apparatus 1 according to the present invention for improving cabinet fitting.

The apparatus 1 reduces the amount of fixtures and fittings required to fit cabinets. Hence, the apparatus 1 improves the efficiency and accuracy with which a cabinet can be fitted.

The apparatus 1 can be used for a number of different applications. The apparatus 1 is suitable for use with apparatus for wardrobes, bathroom furniture, kitchens.

The apparatus, can also be used in an anti-tilt mechanism.

However, the preferred application is for the Support of kitchen cabinets.

The apparatus 1 comprises a rail 10, a cabinet hanger 11, and plug 12.

In use, the apparatus is installed as follows: (a) the rail is arranged to be fixed on a wall, with the rail preferably having been levelled beforehand; (b) the cabinet hanger is positioned on the rail, preferably having been positioned on the cabinet beforehand; and (c) the plug is inserted to lock the cabinet hanger and, therefore, the cabinet in position.

The process of (b) and (c) is repeated for each cabinet to be positioned, and supported, by the rail.

As the rail only needs to be levelled once and is adaptable to support a plurality of cabinets, the apparatus i improves traditional cabinet fitting by reducing the number of elements requiring attachment to and levelling on a wall.

In an exemplary embodiment the cabinet is provided with one cabinet hanger extending across the entire or most of the wall-facing surface of the cabinet.

In the preferred embodiment a plurality of cabinet hangers 11 are provided on the wall-facing surface.

For example, the wall-facing surface is configured to receive at least a first and a second cabinet hanger. The first and second cabinet hangers are arranged on opposed edges of the cabinet such that the cabinet is level when positioned on the rail. The opposed edges are preferably the right and left edges of the cabinet, and the cabinet hangers are positioned towards the top of edge of the wall facing surface.

In another example, two rails are arranged on the wall and the wall facing surface of the cabinet is configured to receive four cabinet hangers. The four cabinet hangers are positioned in the top-right, top-left, bottom-right and bottom-left edges of the wall facing surface. In this example the cabinet comprises a configuration of cabinet hangers that are rotationally symmetrical about the central point of the wall facing surface. The rotational symmetry results in only one side of the carcass requiring door hinges and the carcass can be rotateable as required to comprise a leftwards or a rightwards opening door.

Furthermore, the door hinges can be provided prearranged, resulting in further efficiency gains for the installation of a kitchen.

Figure 2 shows the rail 10 comprising a back plate 13 and a cabinet hanger supporter 14. The back plate 13 comprises a first side 15 and a second side 16. The first side is adapted to be arranged flush with a surface upon which the rail is to be mounted, such as a wall. The second side is arranged to face the cabinet.

The cabinet hanger supporter 14 is configured to extend from the back plate 13. The cabinet hanger supporter 14 is integrally formed with the back plate 13. The cabinet hanger supporter has a hook shaped Section or a J-shaped section.

The cabinet hanger supporter 14 comprises a cabinet hanger engager 17, a cabinet hanger guide 18 and a cabinet hanger receiver 19. The cabinet hanger receiver is arranged to extend substantially perpendicularly from the bottom edge of the back plate 13. The cabinet hanger guide is connected to the cabinet hanger receiver 19 and is angled to extend away from the back plate 13 in an upwards direction, i.e., the direction from the bottom edge of the back plate 13 to the top edge of the back plate 13. The cabinet hanger guide 18 terminates to form the cabinet hanger engager 17. The cabinet hanger engager 17 extends substantially Perpendicularly relative to the back plate 13.

The cabinet hanger receiver 19 can be any suitable dimension. Preferably, the cabinet hanger receiver 19 can be varied from between 3mm to 15mm in length from the back plate to the cabinet hanger guide 18.

The cabinet hanger guide 18 can be any suitable dimension.

Preferably, the cabinet hanger guide 18 can be varied from between 10mm to 60mm in length from the cabinet hanger receiver 19 to the cabinet hanger engager 17.

The cabinet hanger engager 17 can be any dimension.

Preferably, the cabinet hanger engager 17 can be varied from between 3mm to 15mm in length from the cabinet hanger guide 18.

The back plate 13 is provided to enable the rail 10 to be fixedly attached to a wall. The back plate 13 can comprise any number of apertures. In the preferred embodiment at least two apertures are provided. The apertures are provided to receive an attachment means such as a bolt or a screw, to enable the rail to be fixedly attached to the wall.

The rail 10 can be configured to be any length. In the s preferred embodiment the rail is dimensioned to be a length suitable for receiving a plurality of cabinet hangers 11, when the cabinet hangers are arranged on cabinets.

Alternatively, the rail 10 is dimensioned to be of a length suitable for supporting one cabinet.

The rail 10 can comprise any material suitable for supporting the weight of a cabinet and its contents. The rail comprises metals or plastics materials. Suitable metals include pressed steel, extruded, steel, HSLA steel and extruded aluminium. Suitable plastics include polyethylenes and PVC. The rail 10 is also suitably dimensioned to support the weight of a cabinet.

In use, any number of rails 10 can be used. The rail 10 configured to support a cabinet hanger when it is arranged to run horizontally across the wall.

In an exemplary embodiment one rail is used.

In an alternative embodiment at least a first and a second rail are used. The first rail is arranged to run parallel to the second rail. The first rail is spaced vertically apart from the second rail. The first rail is spaced vertically apart from the second rail by a distance substantially corresponding to the height of a cabinet.

Figure 3 shows the cabinet hanger 11. The cabinet hanger comprises a C-shaped section. In use, the cabinet hanger is arranged on a cabinet, such as a cupboard, or the carcass of a cupboard, and is subsequently positioned on the rail to support the cabinet on a wall.

The cabinet hanger 11 comprises a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion 21. The first engaging portion 20 is provided to engage with, and allow the cabinet hanger 11 to be positioned on, the rail 10. The second engaging portion 21 is provided to engage with, and support, a cabinet. In the preferred embodiment, the first engaging portion 20 and second engaging portion 21 are integrally formed.

In an alternative embodiment, the first engaging portion and second engaging portion 21 are separably formed and first engaging portion 20 is fixedly attached to the second engaging portion 21.

In a further alternative embodiment, the first engaging portion 20 comprises a first and a second projection 22, 23 configured to be slotted onto the rail 10. The first and second projections 22, 23 are hook shaped.

In an alternative embodiment the cabinet hanger 11 is formed with one projection.

The first projection 22 is provided at the top end of the first engaging portion 20 and the second projection 23 is provided at the opposed bottom end of the first engaging portion 20. The first projection 22 and the second projection 23 are configured on the cabinet hanger 11 to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to each other.

The first projection 22 is configured to be rotationally symmetrical about the midpoint between the top end and the bottom end of the first engaging portion 20.

The first engaging portion 20 comprises an opening 24 between the bottom surface of the first projection 22 and the upper surface of the second projection 23. The opening 25 is configured to receive the rail 10.

Each of the projections 22, 23 comprises a rail engager 25, a rail guide 26 and a rail receiver 27. The rail receiver 27 is arranged to extend substantially Perpendicularly from a first edge of the first engaging portion 20. The rail guide 26 is connected to the rail receiver 27 and is angled to extend away from the first engaging portion in a direction from the first edge to the opposed second edge of the first engaging portion 20. The rail guide 26 terminates to form the rail engager 25. The rail engager 25 extends substantially perpendicularly relative to the first engaging portion 20.

The rail receiver 27 can be any suitable dimension.

Preferably, the rail receiver 27 can be varied from between 3mm to 15mm in length from the first engaging portion 20 to the rail guide 26.

The rail guide 26 can be any suitable dimension.

Preferably the rail guide 26 can be varied from between 10mm to 60mm in length from the rail receiver 27 to the rail engager 25.

The rail engager 25 can be any suitable dimension.

Preferably, the rail engager 25 can be varied from between 3mm to 15mm in length from the rail guide 26.

S The opening 28 is configured to be 5mm to 30mm from the rail engager of the first projection to the rail engager of the second projection. The opening 28 widens to the rear surface extending from the rail receiver of the first projection to the rail receiver of the second projection.

The rear surface can be dimensioned to be 9mm to 150mm.

In the preferred embodiment, the second engaging portion 21 is provided to attach the cabinet hanger 11 to a cabinet. The second engaging means comprises means 29 is that allow the cabinet hanger 11 to be slotted into a position on the cabinet, for example, the side of the cabinet. The second engaging portion 21 comprises a fixing means 29. The fixing means 29 comprising a first and a second fixing element 30, 31 extending from the second engaging portion 21. The fixing elements 30, 31 configured to abut and to be slotted into position of the cabinet. The second engaging portion 21 configured to extend from the top and bottom edges of the first engaging portion, with the first and second fixing elements 30, 31 being arranged on the opposed edges.

In an alternative embodiment, the second engaging portion comprises at least one aperture to receive a fixing means.

The fixing means can be any suitable fixing means such as nuts, bolts, screws, etc. The cabinet hanger 11 can comprise any material suitable for supporting the weight a cabinet and its contents. The cabinet hanger 11 can comprise metals or plastics materials Suitable metals include pressed steel, extruded, steel, HSLA steel and die-cast aluminium.

Suitable plastics include polyethylene and PVC. The cabinet hanger is also suitably dimensioned to support the weight of a cabinet.

The rail guide 26 and the cabinet hanger guide 18 are provided to reciprocally guide the cabinet hanger 11 and rail 10 to their respective receivers 19, 27. That is the rail guide 26 is configured to guide the rail engager 25 to the cabinet hanger receiver 19, and the cabinet hanger guide 18 is configured to guide the cabinet hanger engager 17 to the rail receiver 27. The rail and cabinet hanger guides 26, 18 reciprocally guide their respective engagers2s, 17 to the receivers 27,19. The guides 26, 18 are planar surfaces and are configured to lie substantially flush to each other when the cabinet hanger is positioned on the rail 10.

The rail engager 25 is dimensioned to fit into the cabinet hanger receiver 19. The cabinet hanger engager 17 is dimensioned to fit in the or each rail receiver 27.

Figure 4 shows the plug 12 configured to lock the cabinet hanger 11 in position on the rail 10. The plug 12 is dimensioned to allow it to be inserted into the passageway defined by the cabinet hanger 11 and the rail 10, when the rail 10 is positioned on the cabinet hanger 11. The plug 12 is comprises a substantially T-shaped section.

Alternatively, the plug 12 comprises a substantially Y-shaped section, where the gap between the branches of the Y can either be filled or not filled.

In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises a plug for each cabinet hanger. The plug is formed from any suitable materials. Suitable materials include solid, deformable, rubbery, flexible materials or any combination of these materials. Suitable materials include metals, plastics, rubber or woods. Suitable plastics include polyethylene, PVC and synthetic rubber.

The apparatus 1 is simple to install and negates the need for a plurality of wall brackets to be attached to the wall, taking into account the cabinet hangers positions.

Thus, the apparatus lalso alleviates the frustration of the installer when fitting cabinet and reduces the time and effort involved with such an activity.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. An apparatus for fitting a cabinet comprising a rail, a cabinet hanger and a plug; wherein the rail is configured to receive the cabinet hanger, the cabinet hanger is arranged to be supported by the rail, and the plug is configured to prevent movement of the cabinet hanger on the rail.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rail is configured to receive a plurality of cabinet hangers.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the rail is dimensioned to receive and support at least one cabinet connected to a cabinet hanger.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 -3, wherein the rail is configured to support a plurality of cabinets.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 -4, wherein the cabinet hanger comprises at least one projection configured to be slotted onto the rail.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the projection is hook shaped.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the cabinet hanger comprises a first and a second projection.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first projection is provided at the top end of the cabinet hanger and the second projection is provided at the opposed bottom end.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the first projection and the second projection are configured to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to each other.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 -9, wherein the first and second projections are configured to be rotationally symmetrical with each other about the midpoint between the top end and the bottom end of the cabinet hanger.

11. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cabinet hanger comprises a fixing means.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the cabinet hanger comprises an integrally formed fixing means.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the fixing means comprises at least one fixing element configured to abut a cabinet.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 -13, wherein the fixing means is configured to be slot fitted into a cabinet.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 -14, wherein a fixing means comprise a first and a second fixing element.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the first fixing element is provided at the top end of the cabinet hanger and the second fixing element is provided at the opposed bottom end.

17. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cabinet hanger comprises a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion, the first engaging portion comprises the first and second projections and the second engaging portion comprises the fixing means.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the first engaging portion is integrally formed with the second engaging portion.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 5 -18, the or each projection comprises a rail engager, a rail guide and a rail receiver.

20. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the rail comprises a cabinet hanger supporter.

21. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cabinet hanger supporter is a hook.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the hook comprises a cabinet hanger engager, a cabinet hanger guide and a cabinet hanger receiver.

23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the rail guide is configured to guide the rail engager to the cabinet hanger receiver.

24. The apparatus according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the cabinet hanger guide is configured to guide the cabinet hanger engager to the rail receiver.

25. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 -24, wherein the rail and cabinet hanger guides reciprocally guide their respective engagers to the receivers.

26. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 25, wherein the rail guide and cabinet hanger guide are configured to lie substantially flush to each other when the cabinet hanger is positioned on the rail.

27. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 -26, wherein the or each rail engager is dimensioned to fit into the cabinet hanger receiver.

28. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 -27, wherein the cabinet hanger engager is dimensioned to fit in the or each rail receiver.

29. The apparatus according to claims 19 -28, wherein the first engaging portion comprises an opening for receiving the rail between the rail engager of the first projection and the rail engager of the second projection.

30. The apparatus accord to claim 29, wherein the first engaging portion comprises a rear wall and the opening is configured to extend to the rear wall.

31. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the plug is configured to engage with the base of the cabinet hanger supporter and at least part of the second projection to lock the cabinet hanger to the rail.

32. The apparatus according to claim 31, the plug is configured to engage with any one or all of the rail engager, rail guide and rail receiver of the second projection.

33. The apparatus according to claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the plug is removeably inserted into a passageway formed between the base of the rail and an upper surface of the second projection.

34. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the rail comprises a back plate.

35. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the cabinet hanger supporter is integrally formed with the back plate.

36. The apparatus according to claim 34 or claim 35, wherein the cabinet hanger supporter extends from the bottom edge of the back plate.

37. The apparatus according to any one of claims 34 -36, wherein the back plate is configured to be fixedly attached to a wall.

38. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the back plate is attached to a wall with an attachment means.

39. The apparatus according to claim 37 or claim 38, wherein the back plate comprises the attachment means.

40. The apparatus according to claim 37 or claim 38, wherein the back plate comprises at least one aperture through which an attachment is inserted to fixedly attach the rail to a wall.

41. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein in use, the rail is arranged to run horizontally across the wall.

42. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises at least a first and a second rail.

43. The apparatus according to claim 42, in use, the first rail is arranged to be parallel to the second rail.

44. The apparatus according to claim 42 or claim 43, wherein in use, the first rail is spaced vertically apart from the second rail.

45. The apparatus according to claim 44, wherein the first rail is spaced vertically apart from the second rail by a distance substantially corresponding to the height of a cabinet.

46. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one cabinet hanger provided for each cabinet.

47. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of cabinet hangers for each cabinet.

48. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus further comprises a cabinet, the cabinet comprising a cabinet hanger.

49. The apparatus according to claim 47, wherein the cabinet is adapted to receive a plurality of cabinet hangers.

50. The apparatus according to claim 48 or claim 49, wherein the cabinet comprises a wall-facing surface and is configured to receive a configuration of cabinet hangers that is rotationally symmetrical about the central point of the wall facing surface.

51. The apparatus according to claim 48 or claim 49, wherein the cabinet comprises a first and a second hinge configurable to receive a leftwards or rightwards opening door.

52. A method of use comprising the steps of: (a) providing a rail, a cabinet hanger and a plug; (b) arranging the rail on a wall; (c) positioning the cabinet hanger on the rail; and (d) Locking the cabinet hanger in position on the rail with the plug.

53. The apparatus according to claim 52, wherein step (a) comprises providing a rail according to the first aspect.

54. The apparatus according to claim 52 and claim 53, wherein step (a) comprises providing a cabinet hanger according to the first aspect.

55. The apparatus according to any one of claims 52 -54, wherein step (a) comprises providing a plug according to the first aspect.

56. The apparatus according to any one of claims 52 -55, wherein step (a) comprises providing a plurality of any one of the rail, cabinet hanger, and/or plug.

57. The apparatus according to any one of claims 52 -56, wherein step (b) further comprises levelling the rail or each on the wall.

58. The apparatus according to any one of claims 52 -57, wherein step (b) further comprises attaching the or each rail to the wall.

59. The apparatus according to any one of claims 52 -58, wherein step (c) further comprises connecting the or each cabinet hanger to a cabinet. Suitably, step (c) further comprises connecting the cabinet hanger to the cabinet before positioning the cabinet on the rail.

60. The apparatus according to any one of claims 52 -59, wherein step (d) comprises slotting the plug into a passageway defined by the cabinet hanger and the rail.

61. An apparatus substantially as herein described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. An apparatus for fitting a cabinet on a vertical surface, the apparatus comprising a rail, a cabinet hanger and a plug; wherein the rail is arrangeable to be fixed on the vertical surface and is configured to receive the cabinet hanger, the cabinet hanger is arranged to be supported by the rail, and the plug is configured to prevent movement of the cabinet hanger on the rail.

3. The apparatus according to claim 3. or claim 2, wherein the rail is dimensioned to receive and support at least one cabinet connected to a cabinet hanger.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims]. -4, wherein the cabinet hanger comprises at least one projection configured to be slotted onto the rail.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the *::::* projection is hook shaped. * -*

7. The apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the cabinet hanger comprises a first and a second projection. *. * * * * * S.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the fixing means comprises at least one fixing element configured to abut a cabinet. * * ****

* 14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1]. -13, wherein the fixing means is configured to be slot fitted * 30 into a cabinet. * *1 *. . ** * * * * * **

20. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the rail comprises a cabinet hanger supporter. a. * * *..

21. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, : wherein the cabinet hanger supporter is a hook. **.* *

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the hook comprises a cabinet hanger engager, a cabinet hanger guide : and a cabinet hanger receiver. **

24. The apparatus according to claim 22 or claim 23; wherein the cabinet hanger guide is configured to guide the cabinet hanger engager to the rail receiver.

26. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 -25, wherein the rail guide and cabinet hanger guide are configured to lie substantially flush to each other when the cabinet hanger is positioned on the rail.

28. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 -27, wherein the cabinet hanger engager is dimensioned to fit in the or each rail receiver. p.

: *.. 29. The apparatus according to claims 19 -28, wherein the Ss** s... first engaging portion comprises an opening for receiving 0S the rail between the rail engager of the first projection *SS* and the rail engager of the second projection.

32. The apparatus according to claim 31, the plug is configured to engage with any one or all of the rail engager, rail guide and rail receiver of the second proj ect ion.

36. The apparatus according to claim 34 or claim 35, wherein the cabinet hanger supporter extends from the bottom edge of the back plate. * *** * * ***.

37. The apparatus according to any one of claims 34 -36, ::::. wherein the back plate is configured to be fixedly *. attached to a wall.

*. : 38. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the back *:*. plate is attached to a wall with an attachment means.

45. The apparatus according to claim 44, wherein the first rail is spaced vertically apart from the second rail by a distance substantially corresponding to the height of a e..

cabinet. * I. * * *

52. The apparatus according to any one of claims 48 -51, wherein, when the cabinet is arranged on the rail, the :.:: cabinet is arranged to be flush with the vertical surface.

: .. 53. A method of use comprising the steps of: coo.

(e) providing a rail, a cabinet hanger and a plug; (f) arranging the rail on a wall; (g) positioning the cabinet hanger on the rail; and (h) Locking the cabinet hanger in position on the rail with the plug.

54. The method according to claim 53, wherein step (a) comprises providing a rail according to the first aspect.

55. The method according to claim 53 and claim 54, wherein step (a) comprises providing a cabinet hanger according to the first aspect.

56. The method according to any one of claims 53 -55, wherein step (a) comprises providing a plug according to the first aspect.

57. The method according to any one of claims 53 -56, wherein step (a) comprises providing a plurality of any one of the rail, cabinet hanger, and/or plug.

58. The method according to any one of claims 53 -57, wherein step (b) further comprises levelling the rail or each on the wall.

59. The method s according to any one of claims 53 -58, wherein step (b) further comprises attaching'the or each rail to the wall.

:. 25 60. The method according to any one of claims 53 -59, wherein step (c) further comprises connectinghe or each cabinet hanger to a cabinet. Suitably, step (C) further comprises connecting the cabinet hanger to the cabinet . before positioning the cabinet on the rail.

61. The method according to any one of claims 53 -60, wherein step (d) comprises slotting the plug into a passageway defined by the cabinet hanger and the rail.

62. An apparatus substantially as herein described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. * * * *** ***. * * * ** * . e *** a *** a a... * SS * S S. I a SI I *S